Fairfield, Iowa — A Bloomfield man is in custody following a reported burglary incident involving a weapon in Fairfield early Tuesday morning.

According to the Fairfield Police Department, officers responded around 7:25 a.m. on April 15 to the 100 block of East Madison Avenue after receiving a report of a male suspect forcing entry into a residence while threatening the homeowner with a knife.

Fairfield Police, with assistance from deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, arrived on scene but found that the suspect had fled the area before their arrival. Despite an immediate search, the individual was not located at that time.

Later that morning, law enforcement received a 911 call from a citizen reporting an unconscious male in an alley. Responding officers identified the man as the suspect in the earlier incident.

Authorities arrested 49-year-old Larry Wayne Douglas Phillips of Bloomfield, Iowa. He has been charged with Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B felony. Phillips was transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility, where he is being held on bond awaiting his initial court appearance.

Officials emphasize that a criminal charge is merely an accusation and that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

For more information, contact Lieutenant Joel Smith with the Fairfield Police Department.

By Hayden Douglas, KILJ News Director

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley faced pointed and emotional questions from constituents during a recent town hall in southeast Iowa, as attendees raised concerns about rural health care, veteran services, environmental oversight, and the future of key social safety net programs.

One speaker challenged the senator on his communication with fellow lawmakers and his role in upholding democratic institutions. “Congress will be the next branch Trump comes for,” the attendee warned, expressing frustration with what they saw as missed opportunities to hold former President Trump accountable. “If you’re not doing your job, we’re in trouble.”

Several attendees voiced opposition to potential changes to SNAP, Medicaid, and pandemic-era safety net policies. Concerns were also raised about implementing work requirements for aid. One person asked “Where are they going to work? What if there’s no transportation or childcare?.”

Many objected to the term “entitlements” being used to describe Social Security and Medicare. “Stop calling it an entitlement. We paid into it,” a woman said. “It’s not a handout—it’s earned.”

Throughout the forum, Grassley listened and responded, though some answers drew follow-up questions or visible frustration from the audience. Attendees asked for clarity on the senator’s stance on Medicare privatization, the future of the farm bill, and support for rural infrastructure.

“We’re tired of things not making sense. We’re tired of feeling ignored,” one attendee yelled out near the end of the town hall. “We’re not here for speeches. We’re here for solutions.”

FORT MADISON, Iowa — U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley fielded a wide range of questions Tuesday during a packed town hall meeting in Lee County, where a standing-room-only crowd reflected heightened public engagement in Iowa’s political discourse.

“I wish I had it every time,” Grassley said of the turnout. “Most of them fill the room, but not quite as full as it is today.”

KILJ News Director, Hayden Douglas asked what encouraging words the Senator might have for Iowans as Governor Reynolds leaves office?

Grassley urged voters to maintain Republican leadership in the state.

What would you say to small business owners concerned about tariffs?

Grassley defended Trump-era tariffs as effective negotiating tools.

How are you addressing concerns about veterans’ care raised today?

Grassley acknowledged inefficiencies in the Department of Veterans Affairs and noted troubling disparities between rising budgets and stagnant service levels.

Would you support your grandson, Speaker Pat Grassley, if he ran for governor?

The senator didn’t hesitate. “It’s quite obvious. I would support him,” he said. But added that he (Pat) isn’t thinking about that right now.

Grassley wrapped up the meeting with a promise to carry Iowans’ concerns back to Washington. His statewide tour continues with stops in Northwood later this week.